We are currently developing resources for teachers interested in using the Voice of Witness series in the classroom. Below are some of the curricula we’ve developed—with the help of Bay Area teacher Lisa Morehouse—for past Voice of Witness books.

Voices from the Storm

The Voices from the Storm lesson plan was tested in Cheryl Nelson’s 10th grade English classes at Balboa High School in San Francisco. Please feel free to download the entire lesson plan here, or browse it below.

DAY ONE

Note to Teachers

A. Day 1 Lesson
B. Talk to the Text
C. Metacognitive Reflections Worksheet
D. Warm-up Day 1
E. 4 Corners Signs
F. Expert Group Worksheet
G. Model for Presentation Chart Paper

DAY TWO

A. Day 2 Lesson
B. Warm-up Day 2
C. Presentation Note Taker
D. Homework Day 2

DAY THREE

A. Day 3 Lesson
B. Warm-up Day 3
C. Jigsaw Group Worksheet
D. Homework Day 3

DAY FOUR

A. Day 4 Lesson
B. Persuasive Letter Assignment
C. Persuasive Writing Rubric
D. Business Letter Format (pdf)
E. Persuasive Letter Outline

DAY FIVE

A. Note to Teachers
B. Reader Response Sheet

Surviving Justice

Also developed by Lisa Morehouse, the following Surviving Justice-based plan is available for download here, or for browsing below.

DAY ONE

Note to Teachers

A. Day 1 Lesson
B. Scenario Worksheet Warm-Up
C. Questionnaire Day 1
D. Centers Worksheet
E. Talk to the Text
F. Metacognitive Reflections Worksheet

DAY TWO

A. Day 2 (Day 3 of week-long course) Plans
B. Peer Problem Solving Worksheet
C. SJ Exoneree Worksheet
D. Model Exoneree Chart
E. Talk to the Text
F. Day 2/Day 3 Homework

DAY THREE

A. Day 3 (Day 4 of week-long course) Plans
B. Presentation Notetaker
C. Fishbowl Questions
D. Fishbowl Scorekeeping Rules
E. Day 3 Homework

DAY FOUR

A. Day 4 (Day 5 of week-long course) Plans
B. Stand up, Sit down Statements
C. Know Your Rights Card (pdf)

Oral History Lesson Plan

Our first lesson plan was developed by Lisa Morehouse, an amazing teacher with a great deal of experience in teaching oral history techniques to high school students. This lesson plan provides the framework for teachers interested in conducting an oral history project with their students.

Here is the lesson plan, in its entirety [zip file]. It includes the following sections: 

1. Note to Teachers
2. Teaching Questions for Interviews
3. Oral History Unit Assignment
4. Oral History Check List
5. Planning Sheet
6. Preparing Transcript
7. Reading for Follow-Up Questions
8. Editing Your Transcript
9. Creating an Oral History
10. Final Stages
11. Reflection